The Los Angeles Lakers crushed Houston Friday night to clinch the Pacific Division title and secure the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. Their 50th win sparked a wild celebration. Ice buckets flew. Shouts echoed through the arena tunnels.
Coach JJ Redick, dripping wet and wearing a green Eagles sweatshirt, joked about the mess. โThereโs probably $17,000 in carpet damage,โ he laughed. โThey dumped eight ice buckets on me.โ
This team earned the right to celebrate. Redick, in his first season as head coach, helped guide a squad led by LeBron James through major trades and rough stretches. Now, they look ready to chase another title.
Lakers Reshaped the Roster and the Narrative
Two months ago, the Lakers made waves by trading Anthony Davis to Dallas in exchange for Luka Doncic. Since Doncicโs debut on February 10, the team has gone 19-12. That record may not seem dominant, but it came in a loaded Western Conference.
Doncic dropped 39 points in three quarters Friday. His chemistry with LeBron grows stronger with every game.
โWhen weโre locked in, weโre a tough team to beat,โ Doncic said. โThatโs the mission.โ
Redick Proves He Can Lead a Title Contender
Redick never doubted his players. He praised their ability to survive roster changes and push through every obstacle.
โOur guys stayed together,โ Redick said. โWinning 50 games is a real accomplishment in any yearโespecially this year.โ
The Lakers also protected home court, finishing 31-10 at Crypto.com Arena. Only two teams posted better home records.
LeBron and Luka Ready for Playoff Spotlight
LeBron didnโt speak to reporters, but his performance did the talking. He and Doncic combined for 53 points in what could be their final game before the playoffs.
By locking in the No. 3 seed, the Lakers avoid the play-in round for the first time in three years. Theyโll rest Sunday in Portland while the rest of the West battles for position.
Championship Talk in the Locker Room
Austin Reaves didnโt hold back. โI believe we can win it all,โ he said. โAnd I know everyone else in here believes it too.โ
This version of the Lakers came together quickly, but theyโre clicking at the right time. The LeBron-Luka pairing now leads one of the leagueโs most balanced rosters.
Redickโs leadership and the teamโs resilience turned them from question marks into real contenders.
Hollywood Ending Now Feels Possible
Despite the chaos, this Lakers team never lost its confidence. Reaves reflected on the journey.
โI told my best friend, this season feels like five years,โ he said. โBut we keep bouncing back every time. Thatโs what matters.โ
With their star duo healthy and momentum on their side, the Lakers now look like Lakers NBA favorites heading into the playoffs.
